Israeli news reports say police have recommended criminal charges against the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the alleged misuse of public funds for the couple's official and private residences.

Sara Netanyahu, who has denied any wrongdoing, was questioned by police last year in connection with a probe of state funds paid to a caregiver looking after her father before his death.

The probe, spurred by a state audit, also is said to focus on funds used for electrical repairs at the Netanyahu private villa in the coastal resort of Caesarea.

There was no indication Sunday whether prosecutors will accept the police recommendations.

A spokesman for the prime minister Sunday adamantly denied any wrongdoing. "These are matters that do not even come close to breaking the law," said aide Nir Hefez in a statement. "We are certain that when authorities check the facts they will find that there is nothing in them," he said.

Reports say the probe also was prompted by evidence from a former chief custodian at the Netanyahu official residence.

Earlier this year, the custodian won damages for emotional distress, after a labor court ruled that Sara Netanyahu had repeatedly mistreated him and other household staff.

One of the court findings supported testimony that Sara Netanyahu once threw a vase of day-old flowers on the floor of the couple's Jerusalem mansion, while scolding the custodian and telling him that they were not fresh enough.

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